U.S. Department of Agriculture is giving funding priority for grant applications to address opioid misuse and increase Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education in rural communities.

STEVENS POINT, WI – Wisconsin Rural Development State Director Frank Frassetto announced Friday that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is giving funding priority in a key grant program for applications to address opioid misuse and increase Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in rural communities.

“USDA recognizes the need to combat opioid misuse and support STEM skills in rural communities,” Frassetto said. “By targeting our investments, USDA can be a stronger partner in helping equip rural communities with the resources they need to enhance their prosperity.”

USDA may award 10 special consideration points for opioid-related Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) projects or for those that provide STEM education as their primary purpose. The application deadline for these projects is May 15, 2019.

All DLT applications can be submitted electronically at grants.gov or in hard copy to: USDA Rural Development Telecommunications Programs, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 2844, Mail Stop 1597, Washington, DC 20250-1597.

President Donald J. Trump has mobilized his entire Administration to address opioid misuse by directing the declaration of a nationwide Public Health Emergency. To help local leaders respond to this epidemic, USDA has worked to build infrastructure for prevention, treatment and recovery, facilitate partnerships, and drive innovation in rural communities.

Last year, USDA worked with the Office of National Drug Control Policy to establish a White House Rural Opioid Federal Interagency Working Group that is improving coordination of federal resources in rural America. In December, USDA launched the Community Opioid Misuse Toolbox. This initiative includes the Community Resource Guide (PDF, 1.7 MB), a comprehensive directory of federal resources that can help rural communities address the opioid crisis, and the Community Assessment Tool, an interactive database to help community leaders assess how and why the opioid epidemic is impacting their regions. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/topics/opioids.

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USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/wi

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/marijuana-farm-s5.jpgGovernor would align laws with people’s support for medical marijuana and the current use of CBD oil. The proposals would also decriminalize possession of 25 grams or less and review past incarcerations.

MADISON - Happy Black History Month from the Democratic Attorneys General Association! As we recognize the events that have shaped America’s history and the people who are working every day to make our nation stronger, we also look forward to elevating the promising future of diverse leadership.

By celebrating our Black heroes from the past and present, we look towards a bright and safer future for all of us.

In 2016, there was only ONE Black Democratic AG: District of Columbia AG Karl Racine. Today, we have FIVE Black Democratic AGs fighting for the people in their states. Nevada AG Aaron Ford, District of Columbia AG Karl Racine, New York AG Tish James, Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, and Illinois AG Kwame Raoul, pictured above, are part of the most diverse group of Democratic Attorneys General elected in history.

We have the opportunity in 2019 and 2020 to continue our commitment to elect Democratic AGs that reflect the people they serve. Want to join in this effort? Help out with a contribution today.

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Democratic AGs are fighting for your rights; DONATE HERE.

Things to do in honor of Black History Month and other news from Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee).

MILWAUKEE - In honor of Black History Month, there are a couple of opportunities to view the Netflix documentary covering the history of black colleges and universities called  Tell Them We Are Rising. The film has been nominated for multiple awards and was presented at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017. Some options for times to view the movie will be on Monday, February 18 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in the African American Women's Center in Milwaukee. The second time is on Tuesday, February 19 from noon - 2:00 PM. This second viewing is being offered in the State Capitol Room 412 E.

There will be also be a Town Hall Meeting with Representative Lakeshia Myers on Friday, February 22 at 6:00 PM. We will be discussing community issues including the governor's budget, legislative priorities, and other issues affecting the district. It will take place at West Granville Presbyterian Church. For more information, call 608-266-5813.

In other news,

• Plant lovers can complete training for Wisconsin’s Rare Plant Monitoring Program and assist in the state’s efforts to collect information on some of Wisconsin’s most rare and beautiful native plants this coming spring and summer.  Training sessions are set to begin in March.
• Wisconsin residents with interest in protecting Wisconsin’s endangered species can donate to the Endangered Resources Fund using their Wisconsin income tax form.  Contributions received from tax filers provide approximately 25 percent of the funding for work done by DNR Natural Heritage Conservation staff, partners and volunteers to protect and restore Wisconsin's rare wildlife, plants and State Natural Areas.

Juvenile Justice Update

As part of Act 185, the closing of Lincoln Hill Juvenile Correctional facility was mandated by the State. This is an opportunity for interested stakeholders to learn more about the proposed plans. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 27th, location TBD, regarding the closing of the facility, this is an opportunity to learn more about Milwaukee County’s plans for a new secure care center for youth with less-severe offences.  The Milwaukee County is working towards creating a safer and better community for the youth in the area.

LWCF has been improving our country and communities since 1964.

MADISON – In response to U.S. Senate passage of S. 47, the public lands package, which would permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), among other provisions, Wisconsin Conservation Voters Executive Director Kerry Schumann issued this statement:

“From the soaring mountaintops of the Rockies to your local Lion’s Park, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has been improving our country and communities since 1964. Be it Janesville or Racine, Dodgeville or Bayfield, the Ice Age Trail or the Apostle Islands – the LWCF has had a profound and lasting impact on our state. Congress should have never let LWCF expire as it did last September. This package is not perfect, but we welcome the Senate’s passage of this bipartisan legislation, which would permanently reauthorize LWCF and protect millions of acres of lands and waters. We will also continue to urge Congress to take the next step and enact full, dedicated funding for LWCF to end the chronic underfunding of this critical program. We expect the new pro-conservation House of Representatives to swiftly take up and pass this package.”

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Engaging voters to protect Wisconsin's environment.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/mining_wisconsin_senate_s5.jpgDemocrats blast Republican plan as a stunt to protect tax giveaways for millionaires.

Bryan Rodriguez was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle while on duty on February 8, 2019.

MADISON – Governor Tony Evers today ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for Bryan Rodriguez, a City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works employee, who was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle while on duty on February 8, 2019. The order is effective beginning at sunrise on February 16, 2019, and ending at sunset on that date.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Bryan Rodriguez, a dedicated employee for the City of Milwaukee and a devoted father, husband, and member of the community," Governor Evers said. "We mourn Bryan's death and remember his legacy and his service."

A copy of Governor Evers’ executive order can be found here.

Domestic Violence Programs Sign Brief to Increase Accountability and Justice

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/kewaunee-harbor-family-s5.jpgIn the 2nd of 3 columns about clean water, Sen. Smith discusses how water is our key to prosperity and encourages us to think about future generations when considering the next big company coming to Wisconsin for our natural resources.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/hurricane-sandy-s5.jpgAlliance was formed in 2017 in response to President Trump’s announced intent to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.